The World Health Organization said that monkeypox is in more than 70 countries and qualifies as a global emergency.
Monkeypox has been in the western part of Africa for decades, but there is no known cause of how monkeypox came about. It was not until May of 2022 when authorities detected monkeypox in Europe and North America.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 16,000 cases of monkeypox that have been reported in 74 countries since about May of this year. Monkeypox deaths have only been reported in Africa, mainly Nigeria and the Congo.
The World Health Organization has affirmed that monkeypox spreads to people from infected wild animals like rodents in Africa. Experts also say emerging countries are the ones that suffer the most from monkeypox. Rich countries do not suffer as much from the disease because they have the resources to be cured.
According to the World Health Organization, if monkeypox is suspected, health workers should collect an appropriate sample and have it transported safely to a laboratory with appropriate equipment.
The World Health Organization has said that to prevent monkeypox, you should do the following: do not touch the rash or scab of a person with monkeypox. Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox. Do not touch or share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox; wash your hands with soap to be cautious.
Two vaccines are licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). to treat monkeypox. The first vaccine is called JYNNEOS. This vaccine is also known as Imavanex, and there is a shortage. There is only a limited supply of Imavanex.
The second vaccine is called ACAM2000. This vaccine should be avoided for people with health conditions, including a weak immune system, skin conditions like eczema, atopic dermatitis or pregnancy.